Hossain Rumel, a mobile journalist (mojo) for the daily Kalbela, was reportedly physically assaulted by a group of local journalists in Kulaura, Moulvibazar, while on professional duty.
Ataur Rahman, a senior reporter at Kalbela, has confirmed the matter to TIMES of Bangladesh. The incident occurred during a programme led by NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwary, which Rumel had travelled from Dhaka to cover.
According to sources, several local journalists asked Rumel to move aside during Patwary’s briefing, but he informed them he was unable to comply at that moment due to the significant crowd.
Following the conclusion of the briefing at the local Amtala Bazar, Shahban Rashid Chowdhury Ani, the district correspondent for DBC News, called Rumel aside. It is reported that one individual then grabbed Rumel by the throat, while several other journalists proceeded to punch and beat him.
The individuals accused of involvement in the assault include Shahban Rashid Chowdhury Ani of DBC News, Shahjahan Ahmed of Channel One, Sheikh Sirajul Islam of News 24, Md Imad ud-Din of Manab Zamin, and Jamal Hossain Tareq of Janabani.
During the confrontation, some of those present reportedly demanded that Rumel apologise to SM Umed Ali, a staff reporter for NTV.
There has been strong condemnation of the attack, with urgent calls for the accused to be brought to justice.
